Baburids or Mughal Empire?

Who was Babur?

Zahiriddin Mohammad Babur was born on February 14, 1483 in Andijan (Presently, in Uzbekistan). His father Omar Sheikh Mirzo, the son of Abu Said Mirzo (and grandson of Miran Shah, who was himself son of Timur, great Turkic family nation Emperor) was a governor of Fergana. As his blood goes to Timur on his father’s side, he is a descendant of Timurids! However, his mother Qutlugh Nigar Khanim was the daughter of Yunus Khan (governor of Tashkent at that time) who was the 12^th generation of Chengiz Khan, Mughal emperor. So, we can realize that he is not a Mughal but Temurid. According to historical documents, the generations of Babur used to call themselves as “Baburiy mirzo”, descendants of Temurids. The main reason why they have been called as Mughals is because of Europeans' misconception of considering Temurids as Mughals in the last century. Now, the serious historical research of those dynasties proves that BABURIDS are NOT MUGHALS.

Statue of Babur in Andijan 

Why did he leave his motherland?

In 1494, the Emir of Fergana died suddenly, and 11-year-old Babur ascended his father's throne. His seat was anything but secure, however, with numerous uncles and cousins plotting to replace him.

By 1497, he had conquered the famous Silk Road oasis city of Samarkand. While he was engaged, however, his uncles and other nobles rose in rebellion back in Andijan. When Babur turned to defend his base, he once again lost control of Samarkand.  In 1500, Babur again started conquering into Samarkand where the control was under Shaibani Khan and he gained.

In 1501, Babur faced the last war against Shaibani Khan, the Uzbek ruler challenged him over Samarkand, and dealt Babur's forces a crushing defeat. In between, Shaibani Khan added Fergana valley to his borders.

He had to leave his motherland under compulsion, because he had no other chances.

Babur, now 21 years old, besieged and conquered Kabul in 1504, creating a base for his new kingdom.

After the death of Shaibani Khan in 1510 he handled Samarkand for the third time with the help of Iranian Shakh Ismail, but in 1512, the generations of Shaibani Khan, Ubaydulla Sultan and Timur Sultan together fought against Babur and they got the rule back. This marked the end of Babur's rule in where is now Uzbekistan.

Now, Babur lost his hope for Mavoraunnahr and returned Kabul. He ruled there till 1526 and left the government to his second son Kamron Mirzo. Babur himself started conquering India.

Establishment of Baburids Empire in India

On April 21, 1526, Babur crushed the army of Ibrahim Lodi, a governor of Delhi Sultanate. As a result of that victory, Babur occupied the North of India and was recited Khutba (an Islamic way of declamation) for the name of “Babur Shah (King)”. So, now he established The Baburids Dynasty in India!

Babur united Rojas who were enemies to each other and created a centralized state. Baburids have ruled India for 332 years (1526-1858) until The British Empire conquered fully.

Babur died in 1530 in Agra. In spite of his short life in India, he managed to do much positive effort for India. He paid great attention to improvement of architecture, organization of international trade relations, culture, prosperity of cities and the country. He set diplomatic relationships with other countries, particularly with Central Asia. Building gardens, construction of cultural monuments, caravanserais and libraries was developed especially in his sons’ period.  One of the seven wonders of the World – Taj Mahal, wonderful minaret – Qutub Minar, attractive Juma and Jome’ Masjids are a few pearl examples of Baburids architectural monuments.

 

Taj Mahal (Was built by Shakh Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahalbegim)

Jawaharlal Nehru wrote that after a stay of Babur in India, the great changes have been taken place for the new reforms, improvement of life, rich art and architecture. 

Along with the huge public affairs Babur performed literary and artistic activity in India and created his most sophisticated work that has become popular all over the world - "Baburnoma”, "Baburname" - a book that includes not only historical facts, but also unique information on the economic, political and social aspects, nature and geography - information that is of great global importance, is filled with unique historical and literary heritage.

After the death of Babur, the power was succeeded by his eldest son, Humayun.

Unfortunately, in India, most of the people even do not know where Babur came from and who he was, regardless of his huge contribution to Indian prosperity and progress…L